Al-Nassr loses Saudi title race after late penalty and red card

Al-Nassr's chance to win the Saudi Pro League title ended with a 2-1 loss to Al-Hilal on May 17, 2026, after conceding a penalty in the 92nd minute.
By Newsroom | Football, Saudi Arabia |

Al-Nassr's pursuit of the Saudi Pro League championship appears to have been dashed, with a dramatic late penalty from Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves sealing a crucial victory. The match, described as a "top-of-the-table clash," saw Al-Nassr fall short against league leaders Al-Hilal. The decisive moment arrived in the 92nd minute, after Ali Al Hassan conceded a penalty for a foul on Al Dawsari. This late setback follows a string of poor performances from Al-Nassr, including a prior home loss to Al Qadsiah and three consecutive defeats dating back to December 27th.

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Late Drama and Red Card Compound Al-Nassr's Woes

The critical juncture of the game was exacerbated by the dismissal of Al-Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi. Following an on-field incident with Ruben Neves, Al Aqidi was initially shown a yellow card, which was subsequently upgraded to a red following a VAR review for violent conduct. This left Al-Nassr with ten men for the final thirty minutes of the match, a significant disadvantage in a high-stakes encounter.

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Broader Context: A Season of Near Misses for Ronaldo

This league title decider is the latest in a series of disappointments for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. The team's inability to secure major silverware this season has been a recurring theme. Prior to this league loss, Al-Nassr also suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the AFC Champions League final. While Ronaldo has reached individual milestones, including 100 goals in the Saudi Pro League, the team's trophy cabinet remains notably bare for the current season.

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Rivalry and Rival Teams

Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr's perennial rivals, has been on a dominant run, losing only once in 50 matches under manager Simone Inzaghi. This success includes securing their 10th King's Cup title, a victory that featured a strong performance from defender Theo Hernandez, whose brief injury scare prior to the league decider had raised concerns within Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal’s consistency contrasts sharply with Al-Nassr's recent struggles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Al-Nassr not win the Saudi Pro League title on May 17, 2026?
Al-Nassr lost their chance to win the league title after Al-Hilal scored a penalty in the 92nd minute of their match on May 17, 2026. The final score was 2-1 to Al-Hilal.
Q: What happened to Al-Nassr's goalkeeper during the match on May 17, 2026?
Al-Nassr's goalkeeper, Nawaf Al Aqidi, was sent off with a red card in the second half. This happened after a VAR review for violent conduct during an incident with Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves.
Q: How has Cristiano Ronaldo's team performed this season?
Cristiano Ronaldo's team, Al-Nassr, has not won any major trophies this season. They also lost the AFC Champions League final recently.
Q: How is Al-Hilal performing this season?
Al-Hilal has had a very strong season. They have only lost one match in 50 games and recently won their 10th King's Cup title. They are currently leading the Saudi Pro League.